VirtualEnaction - A Platform for Systemic Neuroscience Simulation

Considering the experimental study of systemic models of the brain as a whole (in contrast to models of one brain area or aspect), there is a real need for tools designed to realistically simulate these models and to experiment them. We explain here why a robotic setup is not necessarily the best choice, and what are the general requirements for such a bench-marking platform. A step further, we describe an effective solution, freely available on line and already in use to validate functional models of the brain. This solution is a digital platform where the brainy-bot implementing the model to study is embedded in a simplified but realistic controlled environment. From visual, tactile and olfactory input, to body, arm and eye motor command, in addition to vital somesthetic cues, complex survival behaviors can be experimented. The platform is also complemented with algorithmic high-level cognitive modules, making the job of building biologically plausible bots easier.